Michigan Real Estate Property Tax Appeals

Dear Property Owner,

With March fast approaching, now is the time for property owners to review the basis upon which their property taxes are levied.  In Michigan, the first meeting of each local board of review is on the second Monday of March.  If a property tax appeal is planned, property owners should prepare the supporting documentation at this time.  The petition to the board of review can be found at http://www.michigan.gov/documents/l4035f_2658_7.pdf  Also, there is an informative booklet on Michigan boards of review athttp://www.michigan.gov/documents/treasury/BOR-Booklet-QandA_219368_7.pdf  

On every tax bill, two values are shown: the assessed value and the taxable value.  State law requires that the assessed value be one-half of the estimated market value.  The taxable value is what the taxes are actually levied upon, and this value is often (but not always) less than the assessed value.  If the true market value is perceived as being less than twice the taxable value, a property tax appeal is suggested.  Since the real estate market has been in a state of decline over the last several years, it is quite common for the actual market value to be less than twice the taxable value, sometimes much less.  Because of this, property owners have often been successful in reducing their property taxes through the appeals process. 

However, support is needed for a successful result.  In the words of State Senator Rick Jones, A professional appraisal is the best evidence against an improper assessment and the best proof of value (from How to Effectively Appeal Your Property Tax Assessment http://senate.michigan.gov/gop/publications/24/20110310_Jones_PTA.pdf ).  If the services of an attorney are also desired (especially for high-value or complex properties), I can suggest several local attorneys who are experienced in property tax appeals.

For over 20 years, I have helped property owners reduce their real estate taxes by providing appraisals which reflect true market value.  Please feel free to contact me for a quotation.

Sincerely,

Joseph A. Farina

Certified General Appraiser, Michigan 1201001931

Certified Assessing Officer, Michigan R-9146

Joseph A. Farina

Real Estate Appraiser & Consultant

320 South Willard Street

New Buffalo, Michigan  49117

Phone: 269-469-4658